SEIDENBERG TO BOSTON
The Boston Bruins acquired defensemen Dennis Seidenberg and Matt Bartkowski from the Florida Panthers for wingers Byron Bitz and Craig Weller, and a second-round draft pick in 2010.
What does it give the Boston Bruins
The Bruins just dealt away Derek Morris, so they needed a defenseman today. Seidenberg is a slight upgrade over Morris, though he too is a pending unrestricted free agent. Bartkowski is a prospect that won't be a factor for a few years. While Seidenberg gives Boston a player they needed badly, they perhaps need a scoring winger more. Look for more movement from the Bruins.
What does it give the Florida Panthers
Bitz is a huge physical specimen with a decent game to back it up. He hadn't played much with Boston lately, so look for Bitz to get significantly more ice time with the Panthers. GM Randy Sexton recently said his team needed more size and grit, so this is a good starting point for his organization. The second rounder figures to also be a key to this deal in the long run. Weller is likely AHL fodder, though he too adds grit.
Fantasy impact
